Most academic and policy discussion about preventing violent conflict centers on the ways in which decision makers in national capitals can recognize growing dangers and exert leverage on government and rebel leaders to avert outbreak of large-scale violence. Some argue for a recalibration toward strategies that are grounded more firmly in the existing capacities and immediate needs of local communities in danger. This panel discussion will explore the potential of community-centered strategies for conflict prevention and preparedness. Questions will include: What distinguishes "community-centered" strategies from traditional ones? How can conflict prevention and conflict preparedness efforts complement each other? What can external peacebuilders learn from the ways in which local communities prepare for and mitigate violent conflict?

Archived Audio

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Speakers

• Casey Barrs
  Fellow, The Cuny Center
• Patrick Meier
  Fellow, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
• Linda Poteat
  Director for Disaster Response, InterAction
• Lawrence Woocher, Moderator
  Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace